The winter edition of OR---always takes place after the even bigger SHOT Show® in Las Vegas…so it wasn't the reason we noticed more camo---as in modern hunting patterns of Realtree/MossyOak/Mothwing (etc) this year.

Perhaps the warm winter of 2012/13 reminded retailers/outfitters that other activities go on when there's no snow…including hunting which tends to occur outdoors.
Spending half our time in a very urban environment where the noticeable 'hunting' tends to be by law enforcement nabbing fare beaters-we view these get close to the animals' time tested patterns-as more fashion statements. In fact, we're surprised we don't see these eye catching prints in more streetwear clothing-as in linings for urban jackets (---ideal pieces should be reversible- like the Rocky Pro jacket/vest-given the price tags!!!!)---or as details-for shoes or accessories (insoles, patterned outsoles, trims).

An acid-electric neon color palette-ruled the 80's and in more recent times in certain geographic locales like Japan. By our casual observation-black continues to 'rule' winter apparel-on the slopes and off- and not just in NYC.

But-bold brighter tones-acceptable in spring clothing-continue to dominate certain kinds of outdoor apparel in 2014---for visibility reasons in a lot of instances… PLUS childrenswear and gadgets---and wonderfully-in socks-where in reality-just about any color scheme/patterns are available. And sell.

Neons-lime green-yellow...

SmartWool

Balega-Hidden Comfort-Zesty Lemon

Granite Gear-school ready backpacks

SKINS-compression socks

Sugoi-RSE NEOSHELL® Jacket-Polartec® NeoShell®+fully taped seams-reflective pops and a color that is meant to not blend...

NAU-quilted Fractal Hoody jacket- in Zest... a gold-ish yellow-expect more of this tone next season

Fox River-ski /snowboardsocks---with moisture wicking/ warmth- and so form fitting-we run in ones we have. These are part of the Peak Series new for 2014+Made in the USA

Poppy Gall Design Studio and Darn Tough---continue to conjure up the most fabulous patterns for ski/lifestyle/hike/run socks…ever.
Country flags are always big sellers-esp every four years-Olympics and World Cup athletic competitions ignite bouts of patriotism

stripes, swirls, stars and statements

Fun and seemingness endless vaiety-Darn Tough---can have up to 12 colors in one pair. Got to be a record

Gender neutral blue is always in style---there was a noticeable lack of navy and lots of ocean/sky blues---often paired with a neon trim…in soft/hard shells.

Patagonia-traceable down-Nano-Air jacket

Dynafit (with lime green lining)-Cho Oyo Down Jacket-from company famous for its skis/backcountry gear. Apparel was top notch-using European Down

Adidas--with so many fashion collaborations-no surprise Adidas showed a slew of color options for its Outdoors line including this Terrex Swift Climaheat Down Jacket

Sherpa Adventure Gear-Nangpala hooded down jacket

Berghaus---the Hydrodown line of jackets are all saturated colors-including this Ramche Down jacket-W-in a very pretty Royal Blue …great quilting too.

Cobb Hill--in peacock/teal bue will be more prevalent next season-imo...

TAOS Tombat boot w/ brown leather---denim rules …besides cotton tees, the most worn fabric in the world- darker washes are streetwear savvy. Don't see too much in outdoor world but expect more as blends with durable fabrics from Cordura, Schoeller etc. Esp. in bike commuter pants and on the slopes…notably by Burton.

Fifty shades of purple-not as in favor this season-but we did see this shade pop up here and there.

32º Heat Weatherproof down comes in a broad range of colors-travel friendly vests/jackets

Liberty Bottleworks-Made in the USA, aluminum recycle able-the KARMA bottles benefit a lot of worthy non profits, also pictured-Topo= maps of parks, mass transit series etc---loads of-playful graphics which get our award for best in show via 3D digital printing...

Mad for plaid-is standard for menswear---for a century now----but now in performance blends that double as athletic wear…

We liked how for the women's market this season ---the staple pattern got feminine twists with bright color combos...

Carhartt-made with breathable -moisture-wicking with 37.5 (Cocona)---we see this work/lifetyle label on subway riders all the time---burly construction dudes as well as L trains citizens (that is the subway line to overly hip/hyped Willaimsburg/Bushwick, BKLYN, fyi)

One of the best ways to see what might be trending for the next year-is to watch what the buzz worthy RTW labels serve up on the runway. Because it all filters down, at some point.

From the MasterKarl Lagerfeld-his latest A/W 2014 for luxury label Chanel got massive buzz…outdoor brands might look at the colors for clues-but especially the footwear----not a high heel in sight---lace-up high top selections really nailed the fashion/function. Metallics, blush pink and white…notable---for women.